Conversion is a stunning success.

Byline: Karen Wilson

HE has built boats, cinemas and up to 150 houses a year, but Simon Pask faced his biggest ever challenge when he converted a church in Northumberland.

The 38-year-old surveyor, who sold his building firm in 2007, says he has never worked so hard since taking on the project with wife Morag, 48.

When the pair first saw the West Sleekburn church advertised in 2004, it was filled with a jumble of old bibles and plastic chairs.

They instantly fell in love with the building. However that was just the beginning of a long drawn-out process.

"It took two-and-a-half years to buy it from the Church Commission," says Simon, who had to convince 14 committees of his good intentions. "It was a complex process," he adds, with understatement. "Then the planning process took 15 to 18 weeks, even though it's not a listed building." Thanks to Simon's skills as a surveyor, they were able to incorporate all of their design ideas and enhance the property.

"We built a timber frame inside the church, extended the roof by a metre and replaced the small windows at the side with new, larger windows overlooking the Wansbeck," says Simon.

Simon carried out much of the hands-on work himself, putting in around 1,000 metres of floor joists.

His only help was from two labourers, a roofer, a plasterer friend who did the curved walls and his father, an electrician.

The result is Lime Tree House, an imposing fourbedroom home with a study/fifth bedroom, three bathrooms, breakfasting kitchen, open-plan drawing room/dining room, sitting room, utility and double garage.

One of Simon's favourite rooms is the main drawing room with full-height vaulted ceiling, exposed stone Gothic arches, pillars and galleried walkway above. It has a woodburning stove with a huge flue that snakes up the wall.

"There's also a normalsized living room," says Simon. "It's a great house for entertaining. There's plenty of room so everyone can have their own space." The master bedroom suite is another labour of love.

This impressive room has a dressing area plus curved en suite, which still retains the stained glass windows. Two bedrooms share a Jack and

Jill-style shower room and there is a further bathroom on the ground floor.

The couple are selling up for a new life abroad. "We want to buy a ski resort in New Zealand," says Simon. "I can't find a job in the UK despite having lots of experience at board level." Simon says the church is very secluded and set within two acres of land. "It's handy for the A189 and is just a 25- minute drive into Newcastle." As for their next property, Simon fancies a complete change.

"I like the idea of building a very contemporary house with lots of glass." Lime Tree House is for sale through Strutt & Parker at offers over pounds 475,000, tel: [phone].

Simon and Morag are holding an open day today from 10am to 4pm.

Would-be viewers should contact Strutt & Parker for details..

CAPTION(S):

SPACIOUS Striking, both inside and out, this converted church at West Sleekburn is ideal for entertaining.